TANYA TSVETKOVA: BRINGING CLARITY AND LIGHT TO PROPERTY DEALS

With the real estate market in Bulgaria upsurging – prices have increased by 15% in the first trimester of 2025 – everyone is asking one big question: what is going to happen next? Most analysts predict that the upsurge is bound to continue at least until the end of the year – a sign for both investors and first-time buyers that they have to act fast.

Tanya Tsvetkova, however, is focused on another aspect of the property market in Bulgaria. The founder of Svetlina Imot, a boutique real estate agency with significant impact, has always been dedicated to building long-term relationships with her clients. For her, the art of the deal is not about squeezing maximum profits for minimum time, but about developing personal relationships with people, in understanding their true needs and true desires, and finding properties that fit best their vision. As anyone who has been involved in a property transaction knows, such qualities and qualifications are what make good real estate agents stand out.

Tanya Tsvetkova started building this dream company after the economic crisis in 2008-2010. In this pivotal moment, she realised that her experience in property development was a crucial advantage in her new role as a real estate agent. By following her mission to strive for the best results while placing the client at the centre, she steadily created a brand known for its honesty and high quality services.

What does working as a real estate broker give you? Why do you love your profession?

My work gives me a sense of connection with people. Buying a property is not just a transaction – it is the fulfilment of dreams, a fresh start, a home, and comfort for the owners. I love this profession because every day is different, every meeting is unique, and the results are visible and tangible. I help people make some of the most important decisions in their lives, and that is not only a responsibility but also an honour.

What personal and professional goals did you set when you founded Svetlina? Have you achieved them, and if so – how?

When I established Svetlina, I wanted to create an agency where trust, transparency, and ethics are paramount. My goal was for our clients to feel secure and supported throughout the entire process. In most cases, our clients become our friends, sharing their family moments and emotions with us. We achieved this through consistency, building a strong team, and placing the client at the heart of everything we do. The name Svetlina, which means light in Bulgarian, is no coincidence – we aim to bring clarity and peace of mind to a field that is often stressful and complex for people.

What does high-quality and reliable service in the real estate sector look like today, in your opinion?

A high-quality service today means not merely providing a property, but offering a complete experience – from the initial consultation to the finalisation of the deal. This includes in-depth market knowledge, legal security, transparent communication, and, of course, a personalised approach to each client. Trust cannot be bought – it is earned at every step.

What else could be improved in this type of service on the Bulgarian market?

The market needs higher professional standards and regulation to ensure quality and client protection. Education and ethics in the profession should be placed at the forefront. There is also a need for more technology and digitalisation to streamline processes and make the service more accessible and efficient.

What is the secret to a successful property transaction?

The secret lies in balance – between emotion and facts, between the client's desires and market realities. A successful deal is one in which all parties are informed, satisfied, and at ease. This requires patience, empathy, and experience.

What is the most important thing you try to achieve for your clients when working on a deal?

My priority is to provide the client with confidence and security. I want them to feel understood, supported, and protected – both emotionally and legally. My goal is not just to close a deal, but to build lasting trust.

A deal you will never forget?

This year, we completed a deal that left a deep emotional mark not only on the client, but on our entire team. It involved a lady who had gone through a difficult personal period – following a breakup with her partner, with whom she had lived in a civil union, and for whom she had cared both financially and emotionally. Left alone with their child and facing numerous challenges, she came to us with a dream of owning her own home – a dream that initially seemed almost unattainable.

Throughout the process, she was emotionally distressed, insecure, and anxious. For us, this wasn't just a transaction – it was a mission: to help her regain her stability and belief in herself. When signing the preliminary contract, we wished her something that went beyond the professional realm – to find love in her life again.

The most unexpected and touching part for all of us was that, even before the purchase was finalised, she met someone who became her source of strength. He provided the emotional support she needed during those crucial steps, and later, they began living together.

This was a deal in which we helped fulfil not only her dream of owning a home, but also witnessed the beginning of a brighter new chapter in her life. For our team, it was not just a professional achievement, but a deeply meaningful experience that brought genuine human satisfaction.